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Faith-based groups make big gains with Brewer at helm
When Jan Brewer replaced Janet Napolitano as governor last year, socially conservative public policy groups such as the Center for Arizona Policy and the Arizona Catholic Conference began a streak of successes at the Capitol that would make any lobbyist envious.
Bill to give sheriff, other county officials control over budget fails
Legislation aimed at giving county sheriffs and other county officers full control over their budgets failed to get the nod of a Senate panel on Feb. 10.
Goddard pushes crowd-pleasing bills
Like any other statewide elected official, Attorney General Terry Goddard has legislative priorities - none are controversial, and all of them are familiar to the public.
House bill banning ‘sanctuary cities’ advances
A House panel has approved a bill that would prevent cities, counties and police departments from prohibiting law enforcement officers from enforcing federal immigration laws.
Supporters see momentum this year to create lieutenant governor’s post
The secretary of state has ascended to the Arizona governor's office four times in recent decades. Twice, including last year, that's meant a governor from a different political party.
Pearce aims to freeze salaries for local officials
Sen. Russell Pearce, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has filed a bill prohibiting pay increases for local elected officials for two years.
Harper looks to protect teachers against punitive-damage awards
State lawmakers are setting their sights on tort reform measures aimed at protecting educators and capping civil litigation awards arising from cases of death and injury. The two referendums, SCR 1001 and SCR 1003, have been introduced by Surprise Republican Sen. Jack Harper, who said he is seeking to guard educators, businesses and public entities from overzealous litigation.
New law expands religious expression in schools
Sen. Linda Gray often cites "The New England Primer" while delivering speeches on the Senate floor. In a committee hearing June 10, the Glendale Republican read an excerpt: "I believe in God the Father, Almighty Maker of heaven and Earth, and in Jesus his only Son our Lord, which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and bur[...]
Senate OKs continuation, expansion of STO-tax credit program
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation June 9 to expand the corporate income tax credit and allow insurance companies to donate to school tuition organizations (STOs).
Lawmakers eye pension fund for research cash
Lawmakers are trying to tap the state's main retirement system for public employees to replace state funding for research projects meant to help spur economic development.
Republicans advance bills requiring public disclosure on government Web sites
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted June 9 to advance two proposals aimed at allowing residents to review exactly how local governments spend their tax dollars.
Senate panel rejects bill to eliminate fines for obscured license plates
A Senate panel has rejected a measure that would allow motorists whose license plates are obscured to avoid paying a fine if caught. Last year, lawmakers passed a state law to prohibit the obstruction of the name of the state on Arizona license plates. Violating the law is a civil offense and carries a fine of $110 to $200.
